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Pickup Trucks · Tool Face-Off

Ram 1500 vs Chevrolet Silverado 1500

Quick answer

Both are full-size truck titans, but the Ram 1500 edges ahead with its coil-spring rear suspension and more luxurious interior, while the Silverado 1500 fights back with better towing consistency and a wider dealer network.

Our pick
Ram 1500
The coil-sprung comfort king of the pickup world
4.1
VS
Chevrolet Silverado 1500
Workhorse reliability with a no-nonsense attitude
3.8
Base Price (approx.)
~$38,000
~$36,500
Max Towing Capacity
12,750 lbs
13,300 lbs
Max Payload Capacity
2,300 lbs
2,250 lbs
Rear Suspension
Coil-spring (unique)
Leaf-spring
Available V8 Engine
5.7L HEMI V8
6.2L V8 (top trim)
eTorque Mild Hybrid
Yes (standard on some trims)
No
Max Bed Length
6'4" or 6'10"
Up to 8'2"
Off-Road Trim
Ram 1500 TRX / Rebel
ZR2
Interior Top Trim
Ram 1500 1500 Longhorn / Limited
High Country
Diesel Option
3.0L EcoDiesel V6
3.0L Duramax Diesel
Warranty (Powertrain)
5 yr / 60,000 mi
5 yr / 60,000 mi
J.D. Power Dependability
Above average
Above average

Ram 1500

Ride Comfort★★★★½
Fuel Efficiency★★★½
Value for Money★★★★
Interior Quality★★★★½
Towing & Payload★★★★
Off-Road Capability★★★★
Technology & Features★★★★½

Chevrolet Silverado 1500

Ride Comfort★★★½
Fuel Efficiency★★★½
Value for Money★★★★
Interior Quality★★★½
Towing & Payload★★★★½
Off-Road Capability★★★★
Technology & Features★★★½

Worth knowing

The Ram 1500's coil-spring rear end was so controversial when introduced in 2002 that Ford and GM executives reportedly laughed — then spent years trying to copy it.

If you want

You want the most comfortable daily driver with a premium interior

Ram's coil-spring suspension and Longhorn/Limited cabin genuinely embarrass most luxury SUVs.

→ Pick Ram 1500
If you want

You need maximum towing capacity and a longer bed

Silverado's 13,300-lb tow rating and available 8'2" bed make it the no-nonsense work truck.

→ Pick Chevrolet Silverado 1500
If you want

You want the most capable off-road factory pickup

The Ram TRX's 702hp supercharged HEMI makes the TRX the ultimate desert-storming machine.

→ Pick Ram 1500
If you want

You're budget-conscious and want the lower entry price

Silverado's base price undercuts the Ram by roughly $1,500 with comparable base-trim features.

→ Pick Chevrolet Silverado 1500
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